Corpus Christi City Council Meeting - April 28, 2026

The Corpus Christi City Council convened in regular session on April 28, 2026, at 11:30 AM (agenda time, with the user-provided timestamp 2026-04-28 17:30:00+00:00 utilized for this record). The meeting featured extensive discussion on public safety infrastructure, enforcement of e-bike and motorbike regulations, a deeply divided debate over water curtailment baselines for an impending Level 1 Water Emergency, and updates on the city's water supply diversification projects. The meeting lasted well into the afternoon, covering a wide range of city operations and citizen concerns.

City Manager's Comments & Public Safety Updates

• Public Safety Infrastructure Improvements: City Manager Peter Zanoni presented a video highlighting ongoing investments in police and fire infrastructure, noting the city is working to replace half of its 18 fire stations (9 are over 50 years old). A four-substation police plan is underway. Council members Barerra, Kentucky, and Vaughn praised the administration's focus on public safety, crediting the city manager for the cultural shift and the public for approving bonds.
• E-bike / Motorbike Roadway Use and Safety: Captain Timothy Frazier presented on the growing issue of pocket bikes and electric motorbikes. The police department is increasing enforcement and education. Chief Markle emphasized this is a parenting issue, and the department is ramping up public service announcements and targeted enforcement. Council members Paxson, Vaughn, and Kentucky expressed strong support for the crackdown, citing dangerous behavior and loud calls from constituents.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved the consent agenda (Items 3-16) with the exception of Items 9, 10, 14, and 16 which were pulled for individual consideration.
• Item 10 (Spay/Neuter Services): Approved. This authorizes professional service agreements with The Cattery and South Texas Animal Rescue (STAR) for spay and neuter services, funded up to $250,000 initially. Strong public and council support was voiced. Discussion revealed a national shortage of veterinarians, impacting the city's ability to hire a full-time vet for the shelter.
• Item 14 (Motor Vehicle Theft Grant): Approved. Resolution authorizing submission of a grant application ($900,242) to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority to continue the Motor Vehicle Theft Unit.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Water Management: Several residents (including Kenneth Castro, Julian Hernandez, Isabel Riza, Michael Miller) criticized the city's water plan, calling for a coordinated regional approach and expressing distrust regarding the city's well mitigation plan. They argued that residential users (who use roughly 14% of water) are being unfairly punished compared to large industrial users.
• Water Curtailment Concerns: Multiple speakers (Susan Gonzalez, Sean Merritt) objected to the proposed 5,250-gallon per month residential allocation, stating it would be impossible for large families or those with pools. They requested a more flexible variance process and a focus on industrial curtailment.
• Homelessness/Economic Impact: Marty Lena Garza argued the city's failure on homelessness is becoming an economic liability, driving away tourists and residents.
• City Leadership & Ethics: Speakers (Laura Madden, Melody Cooper, Albert Zertuche) commented on the ethics commission and the proposed removal of Mayor Guajardo, questioning the process and urging the council to focus on the water crisis.
• Other: Comments were made regarding street conditions, animal control, pocket bikes, and a request for a city holiday for the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Discussion Items & Briefings

• Item 17: Water Curtailment Ordinance (Tabled): The ordinance proposed a 7,000-gallon baseline for residential water use with a 25% curtailment, resulting in a 5,250-gallon monthly allocation during a Level 1 Water Emergency.
  • Chief Operating Officer Nick Winkleman presented the methodology. The projected start for Level 1 is September 2026.
  • Several council members expressed major reservations, including a lack of a clear variance process, the disconnect between surcharges and allocation, severe penalties, and the perception of targeting residents. Councilman Scott successfully moved to table the item for one week to allow staff to meet with council members and develop a more holistic plan.
• Item 18: Ethics Commission Briefing: City Attorney Miles Risley briefed the council on the pre-review protocol for ethics complaints, showing all complaints were deemed frivolous. Council members gave feedback on potential changes, with a suggestion for a hybrid model where the city attorney makes a recommendation but the Ethics Commission makes the final decision. No formal action was taken.
• Item 19: Water Supply Update: Nick Winkleman provided an update on the city's water supply projects.
  • Reservoir Levels: Lake Corpus Christi (8.7%), Choke Canyon (7.4%), Lake Texana (66%).
  • Groundwater: The Evangeline project in San Patricio County is advancing rapidly (60% design complete). The preliminary hearing on standing concluded; the judge has 10 days to rule. The city is awaiting a variance from TCEQ to increase pumping capacity from the Western well field (currently averaging 8.5 MGD).
  • Wastewater Reuse: Projects with Valero and Flint Hills are progressing.
  • Seawater Desalination: The Inner Harbor project contract is targeted for June. The Harbor Island project has a public meeting on May 27th. The city is in discussions regarding the Barney Davis site and a proposal from Aquatec (CC Polymers).

Key Outcomes

• Item 17 Tabled: The water curtailment ordinance (Item 17) was tabled for one week. Staff was directed to meet with council members to clarify the enforcement, surcharge, and variance frameworks before a second vote.
• Consent Items Approved: Spay/neuter agreements (Item 10) and Motor Vehicle Theft Unit grant application (Item 14) were approved after separate discussions.
• No Action on Ethics: The ethics commission briefing (Item 18) resulted in no formal action, but direction was given to staff on potential revisions to the ordinance.
• Water Projects Continuing: Staff continues to aggressively pursue groundwater, reuse, and desalination projects to avoid a Level 1 Water Emergency. The decision on the Evangeline project standing is pending from the hearing judge.

Executive Session

The council entered executive session on Items 20 and 21. Item 20 involved a briefing with legal counsel regarding SOAH Docket No. 473-24-19854 (PUC Docket No. 56427, a petition by outside city ratepayers appealing water rates). Item 21 involved consultation with attorneys regarding groundwater rights, including potential purchase and sale agreements for the Evangeline Aquifer.